Classmate > Leslie D Okerlund 11.19.2019

Leslie David Okerlund

January 15, 1949 ~ November 19, 2019 (age 70)

Leslie David Okerlund was born on January 15, 1949, in Alexandria, MN the son of David and Julia (Zeithamer) Okerlund.
He grew up in Garfield and graduated from Jefferson High School.  Les married Peggy Betterton in 1972 and from this unity they had Lisa, Skip and Jamie. 
Les started working for Ray Strom hauling gravel and driving school bus right after high school Les started Okerlund Gravel in 1969. 
Work was always a priority in Les’ life but he also enjoyed driving stock cars at a young age and did a little hunting and fishing when he could get away.
Leslie was united in marriage to the former Loretta Hanson in 1994.  Les & Loretta enjoyed casino runs and hosting large Christmas gatherings.
Les Okerlund is survived by sister, Joyce Klug, daughter, Lisa (Kevin) Behrens, sons: Skip (Erin) Okerlund, Jamie Okerlund; grandchildren Tasmine, Carrigan, Lauren, Trent, Quynn, Ayden, Nathan, Riley & Skyler. 
Les was preceded in death by his parents, David & Julia, brother in law, Duane Klug.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 22, 2019, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home with a Time of Sharing at 4:00 PM

Jon Trenne > Brother 11.14.19

ARLYN TRENNE

Vernard Arlyn Trenne was born January 12, 1939, in Fergus Falls, MN, the son of Vernard and Myrtle (Larson) Trenne. He was raised and attended school in Fergus Falls. In 1952, Arlyn’s family moved to Alexandria, MN where he graduated from Central High School.

On March 22, 1957, Arlyn was united in marriage to Kathleen Quast. They made their home in Alexandria and were blessed with four children. Arlyn began an apprenticeship with the Union where he learned the sheetmetal and plumbing trades. Over the years, Arlyn worked for Michaelson Plumbing & Heating, Alex Plumbing & Heating, McDowell Company and Peterson Sheetmetal. Eventually, Arlyn took a job with R & E Nelsen Plumbing, Heating & Sheetmetal. In 1984, Arlyn purchased that company and changed the name to A & E Plumbing, Heating and Sheetmetal. Arlyn was a man who was very skilled at his work and truly loved what he did. He eventually turned the company over to his son, James, but continued to be involved in the day to day operations. Even after his health began to decline, Arlyn assisted with the bid proposals. Arlyn never fully retired from the business.

Arlyn had many varied interests. As a young man, his family raised horses. They participated in parades with their horse and buggy teams. He still has a collection of buggies and wagons including a horse drawn hearse. Arlyn had a passion for hunting all kinds of game. Arlyn hunted in every deer season since he was 8 years old. He was an avid fisherman. He loved teaching his grandchildren how to fish and made an annual trip to enjoy walleye fishing in Canada. Arlyn operated a hobby farm in Moe Township, where he hunted and spent time with his children and grandchildren. Arlyn enjoyed antiques and had depression glass and crock collections. Arlyn cherished the furniture and collectibles passed down through the generations in his family as well as his classic cars. In the later years, Arlyn took pride in baking, cooking and frying fish for family gatherings. They thoroughly enjoyed his fried walleye, ribs, soups and homemade pickles. His garden always provided a beautiful bounty of produce and grew in size to need a tractor to prepare each spring.

On Thursday, November 14, 2019 Arlyn died at the age of eighty years. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Scott Trenne; and an infant brother. Arlyn is survived by his wife of sixty-two years, Kathy Trenne of Alexandria; daughter, Jody Stiver and husband, Mark, of Sugar Land, TX; sons, James Trenne and wife, Joanne, of Alexandria and Tim Trenne and wife, Mary, of Chaska, MN; grandchildren, Stacie Stiver, Rebekah Cantrell, Brian Trenne, Nicholas Trenne, Megan Trenne, Michael Trenne, Briant Weber, Phillip Trenne, Andrew Trenne, Matthew Trenne and Molly Helm; great grandchildren, Savannah, Tessa, Braydyn, Lola, Reid, Eva, Skyler, Callie, Ireland, Merida, Lennox, Sylas, Samuel, Elora, Caleb and Mya; two brothers, Jon Trenne and wife, Barb, of Carlos, MN and Paul Trenne and wife, Karen, of Grand Forks, ND; one sister, Verla Engelbrecht and husband, Jerry, of Alexandria; Brother in Law Jerry Quast and wife, Barb, of Silver Lake, MN as well  numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM, Tuesday, November 19, 2019, at the Bethesda Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Reverend Jerry Lanes will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 PM Monday at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. Additional visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Bethesda Lutheran Church, Alexandria, MN or the Hope Lodge of Rochester, MN. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory.

Patty Platto > Mother 10.18.19

                    On August 10, 1921, Elsie Christine Carlson was born to Kersten (Halvorson) and Olof Carlson, immigrants from Sveg, Sweden, on a farm in Holmes City Township near Alexandria, MN. Elsie’s mother died when she was only 10 years old and then she went to live with her uncle and his wife until she started high school. She first attended school in District 29 and was baptized at Oscar Lake Lutheran Church and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church with a combined confirmation class. She then moved to Alexandria to go to high school. She boarded at the home of Superintendent Fred Ellertson and his wife, Clara. Elsie graduated from Central High School in 1939.
Elsie first worked for the law firm of Leach and Swore as a legal secretary. She was married to William Platto after he returned home from service in WWII and converted to the Catholic faith. Together they raised 4 children: Lynda, Sheri, Patty, and Bill Jr. Elsie returned to work after the children were all in school. She worked for about 7 years at the Douglas County Extension office at the Courthouse. In 1964, she went to the law office of Robert Swenson and Morris Grover. Elsie worked with many in the law firm now known as Swenson Lervick Syverson Trosvig Jacobson Schultz Cass. She retired as office manager in 1987. She remained close to many of her co-workers until her death.
Family meant everything to Elsie; she was a devoted wife to Bill and was always there for her kids, putting them first and caring for and supporting them in all their endeavors. She was a regular letter writer to each child as they left home, the best cook and baker, an avid Viking and Twins fan, a crossword puzzle whiz, and a patient card and game player with her grandchildren. Each of her 7 grandchildren were special to her and each felt it in the time and love she showered on them. She was a grandmother extraordinaire.
Elsie and Bill had countless friends and enjoyed many adventures with them throughout their lifetime such as: dinners out, dancing, attending Super Bowls, snowmobiling, motorcycling, going to and running car races and traveling. In their retirement they spent time together in FL, TX, and AZ to escape Minnesota winters. Most memorable was a trip to England, France, and Belgium on the 40th anniversary of WWII with other veterans and their spouses. They also enjoyed special trips with each of their children.
On Friday, October 18th, 2019, at the age of 98, Elsie passed away surrounded by loving family at Edgewood Senior Living in Alexandria. She was preceded in death by her parents, Olof and Kersten; husband of 64 years, Bill; son, Bill Jr; siblings and in-laws, Sophie Leines (AQ Ford), Helmer (LaVonne Solum) Carlson, and Jennie (Harold Halvorson); all of Bill’s siblings: Berniece Smith, Isabelle (Robert) Thompson, Valeraine Carder, and Paul Patrick Platto.
Elsie is survived by children, Lynda (Dave) Wosmek, Sheri Platto (all of Alexandria), Patty (Bryan) Stamp of Arizona; daughter-in-law, Nancy (Bongard) Platto of Chaska; sister-in-law, Louise Platto; grandchildren, Tim, Jamie (Toni), Patrick (Brenda) Hukriede, Katy Wosmek (Jon) Olson, Tina Platto (Jason) Marisam, Betsy Wosmek (Mike) Stromberg, and Andy (Angel) Platto; great-grandchildren,  Jo, Nick, Ellie, Zach, Josh, Hannah, Gavin Hukriede, Selby, Grady, Elsie Olson, Jack, William, and Lucy Stromberg, and Flora, Waldo, and Huck Marisam; one great-great-grandchild, Lilly Grace; step-grandchildren, Tracie (Kevin Paskett) and Mike (Jen) Stamp; step-great-grandchildren, Aidan, Greta, and Ryan Stamp-Paskett and Daria, Freddie, and Lucy Stamp; and several special nieces and nephews.
God Bless the memory of Elsie.
Visitation will be held on Monday, October 21st, 2019 from 5:30-7:30 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria with Parish Prayers beginning at 5:30 PM. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019 from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM. Entombment to follow in St. Mary’s Mausoleum. Memorials preferred to Knute Nelson Hospice or the donor’s choice of charity.
Elsie's funeral service will be recorded and available to view online on Wednesday.

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Donations may be made to:

Knute Nelson Hospice
2715 MN-29 #103, Alexandria MN 56308
Tel: 1-320-759-1273
Web: http://www.knutenelson.org

Julie Wasson > Sister 10.13.2019

   Jeanne Wasson Bowers, 80, passed away surrounded by family at Safe Haven Assisted Living on Sunday, October 13, 2019 in Okemos, Michigan. She was born February 18, 1939 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1961, and spent the next year in Turkey working for the American Red Cross. She later earned a Master's Degree at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. In 1969 Jeanne moved with her husband, Newton Bowers, to Des Moines, Iowa where they raised their two daughters. Jeanne was a voracious reader, enjoyed music and crossword puzzles, and above all, loved spending time with her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Loren "Bill" and Helen (Brohaugh) Wasson.
She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Carolyn (Mark) Clark and Jennifer (Nick) Chambers; grandchildren Ryan, Katie, Ben, Michael, Alex, and MaryLynn (Timmy); great-grandchildren Sydney and Cohen, and siblings Richard (Sandy) Wasson, Kay (Randy) Sukovich, and Julie (Steve) Waller.
Memorial Services will be private.
In honor of Jeanne, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or the American Heart Association.

Thomas Lindsey (Deceased) > Father 09.30.2019

    Lloyd Kenneth Lindsey was born February 27, 1928 in Alexandria, MN, the son of George and Lillian (Nelson) Lindsey. He began life as a pre-mature baby, sleeping in a Buster Brown shoebox, and took the nickname, Buster. He grew up in Alexandria where he attended school. Following his schooling, Buster joined the United States Navy. He served in the Pacific Fleet during World War II aboard the USS Ticonderoga. Following his discharge from the Navy after the war, he returned to Minnesota.

On February 6, 1949, Buster was united in marriage to Gayle Olson and the couple made their home in Alexandria. They were blessed with five children. Buster worked as a truck driver. Over a forty-year career, he drove truck for many different local trucking companies and businesses. At the beginning of 1990, his wife, Gayle, died.

In August of 1990, Buster was married to Mary McCormick. The couple made their home in Garfield, MN. After retiring from trucking, Buster took a job with Douglas Machine in their maintenance department. Buster always took pride in his work; he was very proud of how neat and clean he kept the facilities at Douglas Machine. In the mid 1990’s Buster and Mary moved back to Alexandria.

Buster was proud to be a union driver and was a longtime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Buster enjoyed the outdoors and sports. He was involved in his son’s baseball games and loved playing ball with them. He was an avid Twins fan and could often be heard yelling at the television. Buster enjoyed golfing and going hunting. He liked hunting deer, pheasant and grouse; he also had the opportunity to hunt antelope in Montana. Buster liked to spend time tinkering and fixing small things.

Time with his family was very important to Buster. He loved watching his grandkids in sporting activities. Family gatherings were special to him. He was very proud of his children. He was proud that all four of his sons followed his example and served their country, in the armed services, during the Vietnam era. Buster’s grandchildren and great grandchildren were very close to him and he loved them dearly.

On Monday, September 30, 2019, surrounded by his family, Buster died at the age of ninety-one years. He was preceded in death by his parents; his two wives, Gayle Lindsey and Mary Lindsey; two sons, Thomas Lindsey and Randy Lindsey; his daughter, Kathy Hay; and a granddaughter, Victoria Navratil. Buster is survived by two sons, Ken Lindsey of Carlos, MN and Jerry Lindsey and wife, Terry, of Eden Prairie, MN; step-daughters, Vicki Schnitzler and Lori Morris; grandchildren, Ryan, Shaun, Kelli, Randi, Sara, Julianna and Josh Lindsey; step-grandchildren, Sara McGee, Katie Schnitzler, Chap Morris, and Amy Morris; five great grandchildren; twelve great step-grandchildren; one brother, Tom Lindsey and wife, Janet; and one sister, Margie Steen and husband, Carl; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held 11 AM, Monday, October 7, 2019 at Oscar Lake Lutheran Church near Farwell, MN. Pastor Julie Carlson will officiate. Interment will follow in the Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 PM Sunday with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. Additional visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church.

Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory. www.andersonfuneral.net



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Paul McCarten > Wife, Toni 09.20.2019

Toni McCarten died peacefully at her home on September 20, 2019.  Diagnosed with cancer five years ago, she kept the matter private while fighting the disease that took her life.
Raised in Minneapolis, Toni graduated from Hamline University with a Degree in Art.  She moved to Alexandria in the early 1980’s and started her career operating Margoni’s Gift Shop.  She then managed Bronc’s On Broadway, and served as Director of the Runestone Museum revitalizing its heritage and presenting the International Anne Frank Exhibit.  She loved her role decorating for the Holiday Ball.  Toni found her passion creating, designing, and building beautiful homes with McCarten Design for the past twenty-five years.
Toni had the ability to make everyone feel like family.  She showed up for people over the years to provide support oftentimes without being asked.  She anticipated what people needed and gave more than what was required or expected of her and she never expected a return favor.  She was fierce and strong, stubborn and caring.  She was a passionate person with a special gift for creativity.  Whether designing a beautiful home, a piece of art, a Christmas spectacle, or a perfect meal with friends, she created what many could never imagine.  Her bright light will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, please make a donation to the Alexandria Area Community Foundation for the Toni McCarten Memorial Fund for the education of students interested in design and construction careers.  (Alexandria Area Community Foundation, 1210 Broadway Street Suite 240, PMB 364, Alexandria, MN 56308)
Toni is survived by her husband Paul McCarten and her daughter Gina Licari McCarten, and her many friends and family.  A funeral Mass will be held at 1pm on Saturday, October 12 at St. Mary’s Church in Alexandria with a visitation one hour before the service.

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Donations may be made to:

Alexandria Area Community Foundation
1210 Broadway Street Suite #240, PMB 364, Alexandria MN 56308

CLASSMATE > Craig Gullickson 07.08.2013

July 24, 1949 - July 08, 2013

Craig M. Gullickson, 63, a loving father and former special educational instructor, died of pneumonia Monday afternoon at Essentia Health.

He died around 1:30 p.m. in his hospital room with his family in his presence. A private memorial service will be Thursday at Boulger Funeral Home. To respect his last wishes, it is just for his family and close friends.

Craig Michael Gullickson was born on July 24, 1949 in Thief River Falls, Minn., to Donald and Lois Gullickson.

He married Kathy Vchulek on July 3, 1981 in Fargo. They had two children and spent their marriage in Fargo while he taught in Wahpeton, and then worked with school district 56. He retired in 2008 and spent the rest of his days spending time with his family.

He enjoyed traveling when he was young and drove across the country with his friends, picking up odd-jobs along the way. His love for travel tied in with his love for nature and camping outside beneath the stars.

Besides his influence with nature, he was also heavily influenced by his artistic side, which can be seen in his photography and paintings. Even though he had many loves, his biggest love in his life was his family. He cherished his time spent with them and looked forward to every time he was able to see them. He loved them, was proud of them, and his spirit will soar over them for the rest of their lives.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Kathy; son Lee Gullickson of Fargo, ND; daughter Mary Gullickson of Fargo, ND; his mother Lois Gullickson of Fargo, ND; sister Cyd Gullickson of Fargo, ND; and by many nieces and nephews. Craig was preceded in death by his father Donald and his sister Gale.

//  This is an excerpt from Craig's  father, Donald's obituary:  They lived in Red Lake Falls until January 1960 when they moved to Alexandria, MN where he worked for Alexandria Motors. In 1964 they moved to Moorhead, MN where he worked as a service director for Kiefer Chevrolet, Offut Chevrolet, Jay Davis Chevrolet and Gateway Chevrolet.